Implementing Business Central for a Dairy Processing Facility [Case Study]

The Challenge

A dairy processing company that produces a range of high-quality milk ingredients such as powders, protein concentrates, and cheese products needed to modernize its software systems to support a new dairy processing facility. The company operated on an outdated on-premise NAV system. To meet industry-specific regulatory requirements and enhance efficiency, it required a comprehensive upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC).

The client’s objective was to ensure that the new facility would be equipped with the right software to support their business processes, streamline production, and enable them to meet stringent dairy industry regulations. Despite having already engaged with another partner, they decided to work with RSM based on a recommendation from a trusted industry consultant.

Key challenges included:

• New Solution Implementation: The dairy-specific Business Central (BC) accelerator was a new offering, and there was a need to build confidence that the accelerator could meet the unique requirements of a dairy processing facility.
• Proving Capabilities: RSM had to leverage its broader experience with Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain (FSC) for dairy clients to demonstrate that the solution could be successfully implemented using the BC platform.
• Early Adoption: As an early adopter of this new BC dairy accelerator, the client needed assurance that the implementation would be successful, knowing it could serve as a reference for future projects.

The Solution

RSM’s team proposed a structured implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, using its proprietary Dairy Accelerator to address the client’s specific needs. The accelerator was developed to meet the unique requirements of dairy processors, including advanced functionality for regulatory compliance, milk traceability, and production efficiency.

Key components of the solution included:

• Customized Dairy Accelerator: The BC Dairy Accelerator provided a framework to meet the client’s compliance needs and integrate smoothly into the new dairy plant. RSM committed to enhancing the accelerator further based on feedback from the client.
• Proven Track Record in the Dairy Industry: RSM’s experience with dairy companies using Dynamics 365 FSC served as a strong foundation for adapting similar functionalities to the BC platform.
• Partnership Approach: RSM engaged the client’s finance and operations teams to co-develop specific capabilities within the system, ensuring alignment and transparency throughout the project.

Why RSM?

The client selected RSM as their implementation partner due to RSM’s proven understanding of the dairy industry and its track record of delivering high-quality ERP solutions for food and beverage clients. Key reasons included:

• Dairy Industry Expertise: RSM’s familiarity with industry-specific challenges and requirements enabled the team to tailor the BC Dairy Accelerator to meet compliance and production needs.
• Flexibility and Commitment: RSM committed to expanding the capabilities of the accelerator where needed, providing the client with confidence that any gaps in functionality would be addressed promptly.
• Trust and Relationship: The team established a strong relationship with the client’s CFO, who expressed confidence in RSM’s ability to make the project a success and agreed to serve as a reference upon successful implementation.

The Results

The implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central is currently underway, with a focus on optimizing the new dairy processing facility’s operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. The project’s phased approach will allow for future enhancements and additional functionality as the business grows.

Anticipated benefits include:

• Improved Production Efficiency: Streamlined operations and better integration across production, inventory, and financial systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Enhanced tracking and reporting capabilities to meet dairy industry regulations and ensure food safety.
• Scalability for Growth: The new system provides a strong foundation for future expansions, allowing the company to add functionalities as needed.

Alyssa Juris

Senior GTM Coordinator for RSM's Business Applications Technology teams, specializing in digital content development for Microsoft + NetSuite Consumer Product's Teams.